Alexei Volkov
Plastic flip-flops are a popular choice for footwear, especially in the summer. However, they often require breaking in due to their stiff material. There are several methods to soften plastic flip-flops and make them more comfortable to wear. One common suggestion is to use a hairdryer or a blow dryer to apply heat to the problem areas, such as the straps, for around 30 seconds to make them more supple. Another method is to place the flip-flops in a steamy bathroom while taking a hot shower, allowing the steam to soften the sandals. Additionally, some people recommend rubbing products like Vaseline or candle wax into spots that typically experience friction, such as the back of the heels and around the toes.
How to soften plastic flip flops
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steam | Place your sandals in the bathroom while taking a hot shower. Slip them on after your shower and wear them around the house to encourage the straps to loosen and fit your foot. |
| Hairdryer | Use a hairdryer on the problem areas. Blast the areas with heat for around 30 seconds so they're supple. |
| Water | Before wearing a new pair of casual leather sandals, strap them on, quickly step into and out of a bucket of water, or spritz them with a spray bottle, and wear them damp. |
| Petroleum jelly | Rub Vaseline into spots that are likely to blister, such as the back of the heels, the top of the instep, and around your big and little toes. |
| Adhesive padding | Put a little piece of adhesive padding or moleskin over irritated skin once you start feeling friction. |
| Band-aids or adhesive straps | If you need extra help making your ladies' walking sandals comfortable, try band-aids or adhesive straps to prevent any unwanted rubbing or chafing from the straps. |
| Beeswax or candle wax | If you don’t have any adhesive straps or band-aids, try using candle wax or beeswax where the leather lining may be irritating your foot. |
| Silicone toe post protectors | Buy silicone toe post protectors from large pharmacists to protect your feet from friction. |
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What You'll Learn
Take a hot shower with your flip flops in the bathroom
To soften your plastic flip-flops, one easy method is to take a hot shower with your flip-flops in the bathroom. The steam from the shower will help to soften the sandals.
First, turn on the shower to a warm temperature and let the room fill with steam. Place your flip-flops in the bathroom, somewhere where they will be exposed to the steam. The steam will work to soften the plastic. Leave the flip-flops in the steam-filled room for the duration of your shower.
After your shower, put on your flip-flops and walk around the house in them. This will help the straps to loosen and conform to the shape of your feet. The steam will have made the plastic more pliable, and wearing them will help to mould them to your feet.
If you don't want to take a shower, you can achieve a similar effect by using a hairdryer or blow dryer on the flip-flops. Blast the flip-flops with heat for around 30 seconds, focusing on the areas that typically rub, such as the back of the heels, the top of the instep, and around the big and little toes.
You can also try putting your flip-flops in hot water to soften them. Heat a bowl or pan of water to above 150 degrees Fahrenheit, then place your flip-flops in the water. Be careful not to let the water reach boiling as this could be dangerous. After a few minutes, the plastic will start to soften. Remove the flip-flops from the water and shake off any excess.
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Use a blow dryer or hairdryer on the flip flops
To soften plastic flip-flops, you can use a blow dryer or hairdryer. This method is especially useful if you are in a hurry and want to soften your flip-flops quickly. It is also a good way to prevent blisters. Firstly, put on a pair of thick socks. Then, put your feet into your flip-flops. They should be tight, and that is okay. Then, get your blow dryer or hairdryer and run it over the tight parts of your flip-flops until they feel a bit better. Make sure to keep the dryer a few inches away from your flip-flops to prevent scorching the shoes. You can also blast the areas with heat for around 30 seconds so they become supple. After you have achieved the desired flexibility, turn off the dryer and walk around in the flip-flops until they have completely cooled down. You can repeat this process as many times as necessary.
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Soak your flip flops in water
Soaking your flip flops in water is an effective way to soften them. This method is especially useful for new flip flops, as it helps them to conform to the shape of your feet. Los Angeles fashion stylist John Murphy suggests soaking new flip flops in water before wearing them for the first time.
To do this, fill a bucket or your bathtub with warm water and add some soap. You can use any cleaning soap that is suitable for washing footwear. Place your flip flops in the water and leave them to soak for at least 10-15 minutes, or even up to two hours. This will help to loosen any dirt or grime that is stuck on the flip flops. If you want to speed up the process, you can also try sticking your flip flops in boiling water for a minute or two, and then placing them in cool water immediately afterward to prevent them from becoming sticky.
After soaking, use a soft brush, sponge, or cloth to scrub your flip flops, paying extra attention to any areas with stains or dirt buildup. You can also try using a toothbrush or a sponge to scrub away any remaining dirt or grime. Rinse the flip flops thoroughly with clean running water to remove any soap residue, and then shake off any excess water. Avoid using high heat or direct sunlight to dry your flip flops, as this can damage the rubber. Instead, let them air dry in a well-ventilated area.
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Use Vaseline or petroleum jelly
To soften new flip-flops, you can use a hairdryer to blast heat at the problem areas for around 30 seconds. This will make the material supple. You can also use Vaseline or petroleum jelly, which is a multi-purpose beauty product that can help prevent blisters. Rub the jelly onto the spots on your feet where you experience friction, such as the back of the heels, the top of the instep, and around your big and little toes.
Vaseline can also be used to soften leather. It acts as a leather conditioner, softening and protecting the leather from cracking and drying out. You can use Vaseline or petroleum jelly on leather and patent leather items such as bags, shoes, jackets, belts, purses, coats, and leather watch straps.
While Vaseline can help prevent blisters for short intervals of time, it can wear off relatively quickly. There are other products on the market designed to protect your feet, such as anti-friction sticks.
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Let them air dry
Allowing your flip flops to air dry is a crucial step in the process of cleaning and softening them. While it may be tempting to reach for the hairdryer or leave them outside in the sun, these methods can cause long-term damage to your flip flops, especially if they are made of leather. Leather is highly susceptible to cracking when exposed to excessive heat. Therefore, it is always best to let them air dry.
To air dry your flip flops, first gently shake off any excess water. Then, use a sponge or towel to pat them dry and remove any remaining moisture. Make sure to get into any crevices or grooves where water may have collected. If your flip flops are made of rubber, it is important to avoid using high heat or direct sunlight for drying, as this can also damage the material. Instead, opt for a well-ventilated area, allowing them to dry naturally.
Leaving your flip flops to air dry may take a little longer, but it is worth the wait to avoid any potential damage. Plus, it gives you the perfect opportunity to let any cleaning agents or conditioners you may have used to do their job. Whether you've used a baking soda and water solution, a mild detergent, or a natural conditioner like vinegar, letting your flip flops air dry will ensure that these treatments have time to work their magic.
If you're in a hurry, you can speed up the air-drying process by placing your flip flops in front of a fan or in a well-ventilated room. Just make sure to avoid direct heat sources like radiators or heaters, as these can have the same damaging effects as sunlight or a hairdryer. Once your flip flops are clean, dry, and softened, they will be ready to wear again.
Remember, by choosing to air dry your flip flops, you are not only prolonging their lifespan but also ensuring that they maintain their shape and flexibility. So, the next time you give your flip flops a refresh, be sure to let them air dry!
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Frequently asked questions
Place your flip-flops in a steamy bathroom when you take a hot shower. Slip them on after your shower and wear them around the house to help the straps loosen and conform to your feet.
Try using a blow dryer on tight spots, such as the back of the heels, the top of the instep, and around your toes. Blast the areas with heat for around 30 seconds.
Yes, you can try rubbing Vaseline or petroleum jelly into those tight spots to soften the plastic.
You can buy silicone toe post protectors from most large pharmacists. These can help protect your feet from friction.
You can use the same techniques as above, but you can also try using candle wax or beeswax on the lining if it is irritating your foot.
